Four passengers, two crew members seriously injured in Lagos-US flight emergency landing

Four passengers, two crew members seriously injured in Lagos-US flight emergency landing

Four passengers and two crew members of a United Airlines flight were seriously injured when the flight made an emergency landing on Friday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

They were part of the 38 persons comprising 31 passengers and seven crew members injured in the Washington-bound flight.

The Boeing 787-800 was said to have returned to the Lagos airport over three hours after departure due to a technical hitch midair.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that the UA613 flight had on board 245 passengers, eight attendants and three pilots.

The Boeing 787-800 flight was en route to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), in the United States, from Lagos.

The statement signed by FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, said all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

Orah, however, said four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

“The United Airlines Boeing 787-800 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 23.59pm on Thursday, but made air return and landed safely at 3.22am on Friday,” Orah said.
“On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members.
“The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37am.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.
“The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby.
“Aviation medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic.”
Orah also said passengers with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.
The director also said some passengers were taken to a hotel for accommodation, adding that the aircraft did not sustain any major damage.